Sunday, June 26, 2011

Chalk Talk: Pacifica teen wins prestigious honor for environmental work

Posted: 06/25/2011 10:11:53 PM PDT

A student from Oceana High School in Pacifica has won a $36,000 award for his innovative, environmentally conscious project.

Naftali Moed, 16, is among just five students out of about 125 statewide chosen for the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam awards, which recognize socially responsible or eco-friendly work by youngsters. 

The awards given out by the Helen Diller Family Foundation in collaboration with the Jewish Community Federation honor efforts that exemplify "tikkun olam," a central Judaic precept meaning "repair of the world."

Naftali was cited for his enthusiasm for gardening and green space, which resulted in the development of a school garden. His project involved many volunteers, thousands of pounds of gravel and plenty of waste removal. The outcome was a hands-on learning oasis that gives students an opportunity to garden, explore renewable-energy sources, understand irrigation systems and landscape construction, and study sustainable agriculture.

Submitted by Mark Stechbart

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